Dave Trahan

His childhood was filled with hunting, fishing, swimming, and exploring which carried into his adulthood. But most importantly a love for work and ranching was cultivated. Cattle and ranching were an extension of Dave’s family identity, more than just work, it was a way of life.

From earliest years, young Dave was watching and learning the ropes of being a true cattleman. At 13 years old he was cowboying consistently, right alongside the men. He and his daddy drove horses, bought and broke around 30 to 40 head in a herd to be resold. They would round up smaller herds of cattle, 25 to 50 head and drive them for miles through the wooded lands and copper dirt of Louisiana. Work was work, but they had a taste for sweat, a love for the land, and an appreciation for their animals and their livelihood. Cowboying is in a Trahan’s blood. As a boy he lived with his family on the canal out by the slaughterhouse. Hard living was just a part of his life that he made into something great.

Later on, the family was able to move into town and lived across the street from Dave’s high school sweetheart, Irma Jean Fawcett. The two attended elementary school together all the way through, also being in the same class. At the beginning of their Senior year of high school, they began dating. Dave would pick Irma up in his daddy’s cattle truck whenever he got the chance, drive around, attend the movies, and in the hot summertime swim in the river at The Pump.

The following is an excerpt that was written in Pop’s own handwriting in his daily reading bible:

“Dave Trahan and Irma Jean Fawcett married September 26, 1952, on Friday night at her Mom and Dad’s house in Kinder, Louisiana. Brother Paul Leeds married us. He also had married Mike and Mamie Fawcett (Irma’s parents). We went home that night to live on the Douglas Price farm where I had went to work on September 1, 1952. Irma and I graduated from Kinder High School May 28, 1952.

Stewart Kim Trahan was born November 1, 1955.

Kelly Lea Trahan was born March 8, 1960. Both were born in the Kinder Hospital. We lived on the Price Farm until April 1, 1966. We then moved ourselves and the Charlois cattle to Keithville, Louisiana on Preston Road. I worked for Mr. Price until September 1, 1973, a full 21 years. Then I worked for Ben Burnside the next 3 years.

After that, I managed and worked for the Feed Company the next 6 and a half years. My last career I joined the Caddo Sheriff’s Department September 19, 1983. I worked as a deputy Sheriff until March 2, 2007. I retired that day with 23 years and 6 months. I also had a part time job as a security guard at a Shreveport Burger King.”

As the family grew, Dave and Irma became Nan and Pop Pop to their family. Dave never missed a family meal and was always at the heart of the cooking. Cooking was his love language. Some of his specialties included gumbo and BBQ of all kinds: a big ole batch of pork ribs, sausage, and beans. Everyone knew there was nothing quite like Nan and Pop Pop’s house around the holidays.

Dave had a special way of making everyone feel welcomed, loved, and important. He cherished being surrounded by his family and took great joy in bringing everyone together. His home was filled with good food, laughter, love, and memories that will be treasured forever. Pop was a proud father and grandfather. He loved and protected his family fiercely. We are so proud of the man he was and how he led the family well in the LOVE of Jesus Christ our Savior. He was quiet at times and sometimes a stern man, but mostly a fun-loving, mild-mannered prankster. His ornery streak made life fun and memorable.

Dave was quite the gunman. He enjoyed shooting and hunting in his free time. He also enjoyed going to pawn shops to see what kinds of guns he could find.

Dave is survived by his son, Stewart Kim Trahan (Ruth), his daughter, Kelly T. Wash (William Jr.); his grandchildren, Brandi Register (Josh), Dusty Wash, Samuel Trahan (Ashley), and Jesse Haney; his great-grandchildren, Gracie Register, Brooklyn Register, Matthew Register (Macala), Serenity Wash, Trevor Wash, Raya Haney, Colt Haney, Aubree Trahan, Bristol Trahan, Everley Trahan and Kutter Trahan; and his great-great-grandchild, Joel Register.

Pop Pop is reunited in glory with his parents, siblings, family and friends, and most importantly his beloved wife, Irma Jean.

A Celebration of Life at Graveside will be held at Longstreet Cemetery on October 7, 2026, at 11:00 am.

He was truly the best father, grandfather and great grandfather anyone could ask for. He was loving, generous, kind and completely unforgettable. Pop Pop will be deeply missed and forever loved, until we are reunited again in glory with our Heavenly Father.